BWitcher

Constructive criticism is fine. Calls for it to be axed are insane.

This thread shows just how out of touch some members of this forum are. All they can do is moan, moan, moan. Every year you get the same folks whinging about the racing. Every year you get the same folks declaring how they don't go to Cardiff and most people they know don't.. Yet every year we get a crowd of nigh on 40,000 which no other stadium can even dream of obtaining, let alone having the capacity to do so.

So there goes your get out clause. That just makes you a hate filled xenophobe then.

Jealousy really can make a man bitter.

Similar to the above: If I had the choice, as a one off, of attending a meeting with a 40,000 crowd but poor racing, over one with 1000 there but reasonable racing it would be the first one.. every single time. It's indisputable that is the case for tens of thousands of others too despite what a few claim on here. Cardiff is more than just one speedway meeting for many. It's a weekend jammed full of meeting up with old friends, some who they see once a year. It's the ultimate occasion for a speedway fan, a rare time a city is taken over by the sport and long may it continue to thrive as a beacon that there is still support for speedway in the UK.

Quite clearly it isn't overpriced.

That would be down to Woffinden having a poor night. Had he or indeed Lambert or Wright made the semis it would have been a different kettle of fish.

It doesn't matter whether you have been watching the sport for 45 years or 45 minutes. Nor is it 'these days'. It has always been the case and always will be. As it is in pretty much every other sport there is too. It's already been pointed out earlier on the thread.

No not for some. For the overwhelming majority. In fact you'd have to have a screw loose and be keen to confine speedway in the UK to the history books if you advocate getting rid of Cardiff.

Perhaps in their live coverage?

'Even a sport like Darts'. That the one that attracts far bigger crowds, especially to Premier League events? Since when was the 'papers' the entire media? BT Sport are media.. they're broadcasting live coverage of this 'mickey mouse' sport tonight. Never heard them call it Mickey Mouse. Or Local BBC services on their live commentary.

Where do the media refer to it as a 'Mickey Mouse' sport?

If you don't understand something, best not to comment. Interest is retained in each individual meeting for longer on a more frequent basis. More meaningful races, more last heat deciders. In no way shape or form can that be deemed a 'bad thing'.

Again utterly irrelevant.

I'm not disagreeing with anyone, this isn't a matter of 'opinion'. It's factual. No they aren't being sold an empty bottle of 'fresh air' at all, quite the opposite. The league table is irrelevant.

Yep, was editing my post just as you made yours!

It isn't complicated. Whether it alters the league table isn't really the point, it's a system that actually... for once.. offers better value to the paying spectator as they get more meaningful races in more meetings.

Basics isn't it. Something many of us have been preaching for years. And as we know.. week after week they show tv matches devoid of crowds or atmosphere, which in effect will turn more away than gain.

Boa tarde!

Stay on topic Skidder!

Wasn't Jan O another who missed the 90 World Final with injury? Was that the year he broke his arm go karting, or am I getting muddled. Knudsen obvs was missing that year too.

Yep spot on, strangely Sam's leg break in 93, although not as serious as the 89 crash had a bigger effect. He was absolutely dominant that season but was never quite the same force when he returned (style changed). Still managed rostrum places, 10pt averages (albeit larger league) and BLRC wins but not as dominant as prior.

Although he was Cradley, our arch rivals, I can remember being tremendously upset at his injuries. Boy do I miss Wolves/Cradley Still cannot for the life of me understand why the hell they didn't put Cradley back in the top flight riding at Monmore years ago. The gates from the Wolves/Cradley matches would be the equivalent of a play off final...

Most likely.. Also Ermolenko missed that year because of his serious injuries the year before... and he flew at Odsal.

No it isn't about 50/50 in the slightest. Not even close. The team we have with Woffinden showed over 2 days, abroad, they were the best in the world. Not in a semi where at least three of the teams are cannon fodder.. but in the final, against the very very best.